Wheel bearing question - 1957 SDV

[Dave Burke]

Hi Y'all,

If it ain't one thing it's two or four.  Now earlier this year, I replaced all of the wheel bearings and seals around the car.  Things were great for a while, but then at high, then medium, then low speeds the front end would buzz and I could feel it in the steering wheel.  I tightened the front wheel bearings down some and it was fine, until recently.  Now there is a "thrumm, thrumm, thrumm" sound at speeds over 45 mph and it sounds and feels like something is rubbing, but I doubt it, and I can feel it when I brake.  Recently I tightened the driver's side front bearing and it got better for a little while and now it is back.  I am going to cinch the passenger side down tomorrow, but I noticed that first, the grease in both hubs has gotten significantly darker, and I saw some tiny flecks of metal in it.  That tells me that I am probably eating a bearing.  I cannot remember where I got the wheel bearing set - Fusick or Kanter.  Could any of you recommend a good source for front wheel bearings?

Thanks,

Dave Burke

CLC# 27968

[Jon S]

Try to find a Delco Hyatt or New Departure on the web. These were GM high quality!

[57eldoking]

There's a set of inner NOS Delcos on ebay right now. The outers seems harder to find.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1957-59-Cadillac-1957-Buick-inner-front-wheel-bearings-pair-NOS-Delco-909072-/131386764423?pt=Motors_Car_Truck_Parts_Accessories&hash=item1e9742ec87&vxp=mtr

Quality grease is also very important up front. I've had great results with LE Engineers Almagard 3750. A good friend who's a big time farmer (and owns both 59 & 60 Biarritzes) swears by it. It has dramatically extended lubrication intervals and bearing longevity in a lot of his machinery compared to the old EP grease he used to run with.

[Jon S]

You have to be careful not to over-tighten ball bearings. Is it possible you have a bent spindle?  Could be the poorer quality of made in China parts.